A model for educational simulation of hemodynamic transitions at birth

Abstract

Birth is characterized by swift and complex transitions in hemodynamic and respiratory variables. Unrecognized pathologies or incidents may quickly become fatal or cause permanent damage. This article introduces an essential component of an acute perinatal care simulator, namely a model for educational simulation of normal hemodynamic transitions seen during and shortly after birth. We explicitly formulate educational objectives and adapt a preexisting model for the simulation of neonatal cardiovascular physiology to include essential aspects of fetal hemodynamics. From the scientific literature, we obtain model parameters that characterize these aspects quantitatively. The fetal model is controlled by a time-and event-based script of changes occurring at birth, such as onset of breathing and cord clamping, and the transitory phase up to 24 h after birth. Comparison of simulation results with published target data confirms that realistic simulated hemodynamic vital signs are achieved. Copyright © 2010 International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.